ght's expectations h

felt like a balm, a fragile refuge amid

he rest of the night. But the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her th

said, his voice low and edged with some

you asked, Alessandro. Smiling. Pl

mocking, but beneath it, she sensed a darker

What would you prefer, Alessandro? For

tching her wrist in a grip that was just shy of painf

anger that burned away some of the fear.

ce a low growl. "Then

s unnerving, a stark reminder of the power he held over her. And yet, she couldn't

Then, with a sharp exhale, he released her wrist, stepping back and running a hand through his hair i

this world," he said finally, his v

uggling to keep her voice steady. "You keep me in the dark, expect

humor. "Oh, trust me, I know.

hard, her heart pounding as she stared him down, the

almost like surprise flashing in his eyes. But it vanished as quickly a

re asking, Emilia," he sa

d, her voice barely more tha

words, considering something she couldn't begin to guess at. B

is isn't a story for you to understand. Y

ted. She took a shaky breath, fighting back the sting o

n he turned on his heel, walking away without another word, leaving her standing alone in the shad

spair. Every time she thought she saw a glimmer of something human i

dening. If he was determined to keep her in the dark, then she w

, who returned his look with a smirk, a dark realization settled over her. If she wasn't careful, thi